NATCHEZ — The Adams County Sheriff’s Office recently finished building a facility with 35 dog kennels in an undisclosed location for the purpose of providing temporary housing for rescued animals, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said.

The build — which started just over two weeks ago is now finished — was funded by an anonymous GoFundMe account created under the alias “Jane Adams” soon after 56 dogs were rescued from a suspected dogfighting farm on Miracle Road in Adams County.

Within 24 hours, the account raised more than $26,000 from donors across the nation showing concern about the discovery of the dogs, many of which were severely injured and were surrounded by the remains of deceased animals.

Patten said the GoFundMe account had been created by an employee of the department and was deactivated soon after the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stepped in and took rescued animals under their care.

“We tried to give that money back to the ASPCA, but they were generous enough to tell us to keep it so we wouldn’t have to go through that situation again,” Patten said.

Patten said 100 percent of the funds were put toward building the shelter and for supplies needed to care for animals rescued under similar circumstances.

“These kennels will not be used for every stray in Adams County,” Patten said. “They will be used specifically for animals rescued from abusive situations. … Truth be told, we hope we never have to use them. But if we have to seize dogs in the future, we will house them here.”

Patten said the sheriff’s office does not have the personnel to provide 24-hour care for stray animals but will do everything they can to care for them temporarily.

“This project came about out of a need,” Patten said. “Nobody had the room or the ability to house all of the dogs we had to rescue. As sheriff, I would not and could not walk away. … We’re keeping our commitment and our promise of how we said we were going to use those funds.”